http://www.boston.com/sports/footba...2010/08/21/ex_patriot_hit_with_als_diagnosis/ Pretty grim stuff, I didn't quote the entire article but here's the most disturbing part, imo: So we've assumed for awhile that the brutal nature of the game is responsible for higher rates of parkinson's and alzheimer's, but apparently now they also think ALS can be linked to football? Reading stories like this, it's so hard not to root for the players in the upcoming labor battle. They are millionaires for playing a game, but a lot of these guys really are victims. They take years off their lives for a sport that generates more revenue for its owners and teams than any other in this country, have the shortest average careers, face almost certain medical issues later in life, yet they are the only ones left without guaranteed contracts. I also find it kind of funny that the NFL is "considering" if it needs to increase benefits for retired players in light of evidence that injuries sustained during playing careers directly leads to ALS later on in life. I'm no lawyer but it seems to be if that's really the case they could be facing some pretty serious legal ramifications from sick retired players.
Wow. This is really sad news. The thing I most remember Kevin Turner is his GW Touchdown against the Vikings in the game that Bledsoe set the record for most passing completions and attempts in a single game (45 of 70)
Many ex-players in sports that involve physical contact have developed ALS. In Europe it's a problem for ex-soccer players... probably because they hit the ball with their heads so many times.
